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Despite its name, the “Pink Moon” won’t be blushing in color this evening. However, it promises to shine brilliantly over Houston. Here’s when to catch the best view and what to expect regarding cloud coverage in Southeast Texas.
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HOUSTON (KIAH) – Before you end your day on Wednesday, take a moment to gaze upwards. The Pink Moon will be making its stunning appearance in the night sky.
The moon reaches its peak illumination at 10:12 p.m. EDT. While it’s one of the most anticipated full moons of the year, there is a catch you should know before you set up your telescope.
What to know:
- Peak Time: 10:12 p.m. EDT, April 1.
- Name: It’s named after a wildflower, not its actual color.
- Next full moon: The “flower moon” arrives on May 1.
Will the moon actually be pink?
Despite the name, the answer is no. The moon will not actually change its hue.
The name “pink moon” comes from Native American and European traditions. It specifically refers to the early springtime bloom of Phlox subulata — a pink wildflower commonly known as “creeping phlox” or “moss pink” — which often blankets the ground around the time of the April full moon.
What is a full moon?
A full moon happens when the moon is positioned opposite the sun, with Earth directly in the middle. During this lunar phase, the entire near side of the moon is illuminated, making it appear as a complete circle to us on the ground.
Full moon 2026 schedule
If you miss this full moon’s peak, here is this year’s full moon schedule:
| Jan. 3 | Wolf Moon |
| Feb. 1 | Snow Moon |
| March 3 | Worm Moon |
| April 1 | Pink Moon |
| May 1 | Flower Moon |
| May 31 | Blue Moon |
| June 29 | Strawberry Moon |
| July 29 | Buck Moon |
| Aug. 28 | Sturgeon Moon |
| Sept. 26 | Corn Moon (Harvest Moon) |
| Oct. 26 | Hunter’s Moon |
| Nov. 24 | Beaver Moon |
| Dec. 23 | Cold Moon |